Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Micheál Martin, while visiting the Rafah crossing in Egypt, expressed his conviction that the people of Gaza are facing collective punishment by Israel, which he deems contrary to international law.
During his visit to the Middle East, Mr. Martin encountered war-affected women and children at a hospital near the Rafah crossing, witnessing firsthand the devastating consequences of the conflict.
Visibly shaken by the sight of injured individuals, many of whom had undergone amputations, Mr Martin expressed his horror and empathy for their suffering.
At the border crossing with Gaza, amidst a temporary ceasefire, Mr. Martin learned of Israel’s restrictions on truck supplies entering Gaza and the risks faced by humanitarian workers in delivering aid.
Speaking at an Egyptian military airbase, Mr Martin denounced the blockade of essential supplies destined for Gaza, emphasising the collective punishment imposed on the Palestinian people.
He met with UNRWA officials and visited a distribution depot operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent, gaining insight into the humanitarian efforts in the region.
However, it was at the hospital where Mr. Martin encountered the harrowing stories of survivors, many of whom had lost family members and endured severe injuries.
Ataaf Saleh, a survivor of a shelling incident, shared her experience of loss and the challenges of returning to an uninhabitable Gaza.
Dua Samir, another survivor, recounted the trauma of losing family members and sustaining injuries in an airstrike, highlighting the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
Doctors informed Mr. Martin about the critical shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and the widespread destruction of hospitals, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
At the Rafah crossing, Mr. Martin engaged with aid leaders and the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, discussing the challenges faced in delivering aid to Gaza.
He observed the long queues of trucks awaiting entry into Gaza and noted the stockpiled medical equipment withheld by Israel, including vital devices and vaccinations.
Dr Lofty Gheith provided insight into the rigorous checks imposed by Israeli authorities, resulting in delays and restrictions on essential aid.
Outside the crossing, hundreds of desperate Gazans sought re-entry, facing prolonged separation from their families and dire living conditions.
Individuals like Adla Zaki Mohamed and Amad shared their stories of suffering and loss, underscoring the human toll of the conflict on civilians.
Mr. Martin expressed concern for the well-being of children in Gaza, highlighting their malnutrition and the urgent need to end the war.
Despite efforts to prevent further escalation, Mr. Martin acknowledged the looming threat of an Israeli offensive on Rafah, emphasising the catastrophic consequences it could entail.
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